Photocomposing matrix

ABSTRACT

A character-incised matrix, typically of brass, conventionally settable and distributable in a linesetting machine, and distinguished from a conventional matrix in providing high reflectance contrast between the area bearing character intelligence and the surrounding area. A salvage process for making such a matrix from a worn and even damaged conventional matrix, by removing a portion of matrix material from the character face to provide a very shallow depth of incision- of the order of 0.005 inch or less- whereby the incision outline on the modified character face is virtually congruent with the intelligence bearing area at the bottom of the incision; or by modifying the original manufacturing process of a matrix by providing a shallow depth of incision of the magnitude abovementioned; and increasing the above-mentioned reflectance contrast of the matrix. When the removal of matrix material includes machining, the incision is desirably first packed with a removable packing substance having hardness and strength characteristics comparable to the matrix material, in order to assure accuracy of incision edges after machining, free of burrs, tool chatter marks and other irregularities.

United States Patent [72] Inventors Lewis E. Hall 1228 Finegrove Ave., Hacienda Heights, Calif. 91745, and Leonard Metz, 1935 Kerns Ave., San Marino, Calif. 91 108 [21] Appl. No. 694,714 [22] Filed Dec.29, 1967 [45] Patented Jan. 5. 1971 i [54] PHOTOCOMPOSING MATRIX 13 Claims, 2 Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S.Cl. 95/85, 95/4.5 [51] lnt.Cl ..B4lb11/00 [50] Fieldol'Search 95/85,4.5, (inquired) [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,901,013 3/1933 'Uher 95/4.5 2,105,555 1/1938 lsh-Shalom. 95/85 2,277,825 3/1942 Freund 95/85 2,486,834 11/1949 Freund 95/85 Primary Examiner-John M. Horan Assistant Examiner Robert P. Greiner Attorney- Miketta, Glenny, Poms & Smith ABSTRACT: A character-incised matrix, typically of brass, conventionally settable and distributable in a linesetting machine, and distinguished from a conventional matrix in providing high reflectance contrast between the area bearing character intelligence and the surrounding area. A salvage process for making such a matrix from a worn and even damaged conventional matrix, by removing a portion of matrix material from the character face to provide a very shallow depth of incision-of the order of 0.005 inch or lesswhereby the incision outline on the modified character face is virtually congruent with the intelligence bearing area at the bottom of the incision; or by modifying the original manufacturing process of a matrix by providing a shallow depth of incision of the magnitude above-mentioned; and increasing the above-mentioned reflectance contrast of the matrix. When the removal of matrix material includes machining, the incision is desirably first packed with a removable packing substance having hardness and strength characteristics comparable to the matrix material, in order to assure accuracy of incision edges after machining, free of burrs, tool chatter marks and other irregularities.

PHOTOCOMPOSING MATRIX BACKGROUND AND FIELD OF THE INVENTION As is well-known, conventional linesetting machines such as those sold under the names Linotype and lntertype provide means whereby an operator manipulating a keyboard can set up a line of type with'the words separated by wedge shaped spacebands, can then justify the line length by the wedging action of the spacebands, and can then, by a casting process, produce a slug or line of type in lead or similar metal, which is later used in known types of letterpress or stereotype printing. ln recent years, a number of methods have been developed for producing printed matter by photographic techniques, such as the photo-offset method and its modifications. In order to efficiently employ the large number of linesetting machines and their skilled operators, it is desirable to adapt such linesetting machines for use in printing employing a photographic technique in short, to use a linesetting machine for photocomposing. In accordance with such process, each assembled line of matrices, the words being spaced by spacebands as above mentioned, is photographed after justification; no casting process is involved. Attempts have been made in the past to provide apparatus and techniques for accomplishing this, such as those shown in US. Pat. Nos. 2,042,041 to Friedman; 2,630,743 to OKane; and 2,691,924 to Plastaras. However, these processes and apparatuses generally contemplate the use of specially designed matrices, and accordingly fail to make economical use of the existing stock of matrices now in the possession of users of linesetting machines.

Our present invention meets an important need by providing an economical process for converting or modifying conventional linesetting machine matrices for use in photocomposing. The conversion or modification process is essentially one of salvaging, for use in photocomposing, matrices which may have been damaged to the extent that they are no longer useable for making cast slugs in conventional manner. For example, the sidewalls of a matrix may become deformed, such as by reason of dirt or other irregularities on the surfaces of spacebands, with the result that a slug cast from an assembly of matrices including such a damaged matrix may display a hairlinein the finished printing.

The incision formed in the character face of a conventional matrix is defined by sidewalls which typically taper slightly to the bottom of the incision, the taper being desirable for proper draft, both in manufacture of the matrix and later use thereof in casting a slug. The actual intelligence borne by the character formed in a particular matrix is that defined by the area outlined by the intersections of the incision sidewallswith the bottom of the incision. In accordance with the process of the present invention, material is removed from the character face of a matrix until the remaining depth of the character incision is such that the outline of the incision on the surface of the matrix is virtually congruent with the outlined area at the bottom of the incision, above described. Since the taper of the incision sidewalls is very slight of the order of a few degrees -such virtual congruency will exist when the depth of the incision is quite shallow -of the order of 0.005 inch or less.

In orderto best use a matrix thus modified in accordance with our invention, it is desirable to increase the reflectance contrast between the above referred to outlined area and the surface of the modified character face surrounding the incision. This reflectance contrast increase can be accomplished in a number of ways in accordance with the present invention. For example, if it is desired that the outlined area at the incision bottom be of high reflectance, such outlined area can be coated with a material of high reflectance, such as chromium. Thus the entire character face of the original conventional matrix may be chromium plated. and the subsequent operation of removing matrix material from the character face will of course remove the chromium plating from such face, leaving the incision bottom so plated. Alternatively, a resist may be applied to the original character face, but not to the incision or its bottom, prior to the chromium plating operation, so that only the chromium actually needed is used. After the requisite material has been removed from the matrix character face, the area of such face surrounding the remaining incision is treated to render it of low reflectance. For example, when the matrix is made of brass or other compound containing copper, as is conventional, the desired dull finish may be achieved by producing a layer or coating of a copper compound of low reflectance, such as cupric sulfide or cupric oxide.

On the other hand if it is desired to provide an incision bottom having a low reflectance, with the character face area surrounding the incision having a high reflectance, the incision bottom can be treated with a suitable reagent for producing on such bottom a coating or layer of a compound of dull reflectance, such as, again, cupric sulfide or cupric oxide in the case of a matrix made of brass. In accordance with this form of the invention, the character face after removal of matrix material in accordance with the invention may of itself have sufficiently high reflectance to provide the desired reflectance contrast between the dull incision bottom and the area surrounding the incision. If higher contrast is desired, the area surrounding the incision may be further treated, as by plating with chromium or the like, in order to increase the reflectance of such area and thereby to increase the reflectance contrast between the area and the incision bottom.

It will be seen that, depending upon the subsequent photographic steps involved, one of the above techniques will produce a negative, while the other will produce a positive. As will be readily understood, a reversal from negative to positive or vice ver'sa may be easily accomplished photographically if desirable or necessary in the overall process of photocomposing involved.

I may It may also be possible, in accordance with the invention, to produce a matrix having the desired characteristics for photocomposing by modifying the slightly the original manufacturing operation. Such operation involves the forming of an incision on the character face of a matrix having a depth of the order of 0.090 inch. By merely decreasing the depth ofthe incision formed in the original operation to the shallow depth heretofore suggested of the order of 0.005 inch or less -and then treating the matrix so made to increase the reflectance contrast between the incision bottom and the area surrounding the incision, a matrix may be produced for photocomposing use as now contemplated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTlON The matrix of the present invention, and the process for making it, contemplate the provision of a matrix having a much shallower depth of incision than a conventional matrix for use in linesetting machines, but not otherwise differing in mechanical or physical outline from conventional matrices. Thus the matrix in accordance with the present invention includes conventional teeth in its upperpor tion, for engagement with the distributor bar of a linesetting machine, in wellknown manner. Moreover, the conventional font slot, lugs, bridge notch, and other characteristics of physical configuration of the matrix remain unchanged in accordance with our invention, whereby our matrices are settable and distributable by a conventional linesetting machine without modification.

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide and disclose a novel matrix for use in photocomposing, and a novel process for making the same. Additional objects and purposes of the invention are to provide a novel matrix, and process for making the same, for use in photocomposing, the matrix being distinguished by a high contrast of reflectance between the intelligence-bearing area of the character incision and the area of such character face surrounding the incision; for providing such a matrix, and a process for making the same, wherein the reflectance of the intelligence-bearing character is-low, and the reflectance of the area of the character face surrounding the incision is high;

for providing a novel matrix, and a process for making the same, wherein the reflectance of the intelligence-bearing character is high, and the reflectance of the surrounding area of the character face is low; for providing a novel photocomposingmatrix, and a process for making the same, having a depth of incision very much shallower than the conventional depth of incision in linesetting matrices; for providing a novel method for making a matrix having the foregoing characteristics from conventional matrices which are worn beyond useability for conventional linecasting purposes; for providing a novel photocomposing matrix and process for making the same wherein the matrix is settable and distributable in normal manner by a conventional linesetting machine; and for other objects and purposes, as will be understood from a reading of the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional matrix for the letter I.

FIG. 2, in a series of lettered views, each constituting a fragmentary perspective sectional view taken on the arrows II-II of FIG. I, shows successive steps in making a photocomposing matrix in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring now in detail to the drawing, and first to FIG. 1, there is indicated generally at 10, a conventional matrix for use in a linesetting machine for forming the capital letter I. For simplicity of presentation, the matrix shown is a one-letter display matrix, such as is customarily used for larger type sizes, typically from l6 to 60 point. The matrix 10 includes the conventional upper and lower lugs or cars 11 and 12 respectively, conventional teeth indicated generally as a group at 14 for coaction with the distributor bar of the linesetting machine in known manner, and a character face indicated generally at 16, in which an incised character I, indicated generally at is formed. Character 20 is conventional in every respect, including a central, vertically disposed portion 22, and upper and lower serifs 23 and 24 respectively- The central portion 22 is defined by sidewalls 26 and 27 respectively, incised in the matrix, and extending inwardly to an incision bottom 28, the sidewalls being formed with a draft of not more than a few degrees, as is conventional. It will be understood that the incisions of serifs 23 and 24 are similarly defined by sidewalls extending inwardly into the body of the matrix. It will further be understood that, in the conventional use of a matrix such as matrix 28 in the present illustration, the intelligence borne by the character is that of the area defined by the intersection of the sidewalls with the bottom of the incision, one such intersection line being indicated at 29. The bottom of the entire character incision is disposed in a common plane, parallel to the plane of character face 16.

In FIG. 2 there is shown, in the lettered views, a series of steps by which the process of the present invention may be carried out, in order to make a photocomposing matrix as herein contemplated. Thus, FIG. 2- A represents, in perspective, a fragmentary sectional view taken on the arrows Il-II of FIG. I, and shows the incision formed in the character face 16, and defined by sidewalls 26 and 27, the sidewalls extending inwardly to the incision bottom 28. Sidewall 27 intersects bottom 28 along line 29, and it will be understood that the area outlined by line 29 and corresponding lines of intersection with the bottom 28 of other sidewalls of the character constitute the intelligence of the character.

In accordance with the invention, it is contemplated to remove a substantial portion of the matrix body material, typically brass, between the character face 16 and the plane of the incision bottom 28. More specifically, the invention contemplates removing sufficient body material so that the remaining depth from the new character face to the bottom of the incision will be such that the outer edges formed by the intersections of the sidewalls with therevised character face will, as viewed normal to the plane of the revised character face. be visually indistinguishable from the lines formedby-theintersections of sidewalls with the incision bottom. The shape defined by the-outer edges, in other words,will be virtually congruent with the incision bottom. Since the. draft of the sidewalls of the incision is only a few degrees, a visually accurate representation of the character in the plane of ,the character face will be provided when the depth of the incision, remaining after removal of matrix body material, is about 0.005 inch or less, preferably about..0.002 inch. These-dimensions constitute the order of magnitude contemplated .in accordance with the present invention.

Removal of matrix material in accordance with the present invention may be accomplished in any suitable manner. For

. example, the materialto be removed maybe machined when the material of which the matrix-ismade is machinable, such as brass. Alternatively, the material may be removed by grinding. Whatever technique is employed, it is important thatthe edges formed by the intersections of the sidewalls with the newly formed character face be accurate and free from imperfections such as burrs, tool chatter marks and the like. It is.accordingly contemplated, in accordance with the invention, that a suitable packing or filling material, later removable, be inserted into the incision of the character prior to machining.

The present invention contemplates provision of a high reflectance contrast between the incision bottom and the surface of the revised character face surrounding the incision. Prior to removal of material from the matrix, the matrix may be treated for this purpose. If it is desiredthat the incision bottom have a high reflectance, then the matrix, and specifically the incision, may be treated by applying thereto a coating or layer of a high reflectance material. For example, the incision bottom may be'chromium plated. Since only the incision bottom need be" chromium plated in accordance with this embodiment of the invention, the remaining portion of the character face may be coated with a resist, since such portion will be removed during the subsequent machining operation in any event. I

Alternatively, if it is desired that the incision bottom have a' low reflectance, then the incision bottom can be treated, prior to machining or other removal process, with a suitable reagent to produce a layer or coating of low reflectance. Thus, in the case of a matrix made of brass, the incision bottom may be treated to produce thereon a coating of cupric sulfide, cupric oxide or similar compound having a dull black appearance and thus a low reflectance. For example, suitable reagents include an acid such as hydrochloric acid including hydrogen sulfide; or an aqueous solution of ammonia and soda ash.

FIG. 2-B illustrates suitable packing or filling substance inserted into the incision, as above mentioned, prior tothe step of removing matrix material, inorder to preserve accurate edges of the incision in the new character face. Thus a quantity of packing or filling substance indicated generally at 30 is inserted into the incision. Substance'30 is characterized by having strength and hardness comparable to those of brass. Any of a number of such substances, used in precision machining, may be used, such as the commercial product marketed under the name Rigidax."

FIGS. 2-C, 2-D and 2-E are fragmentary perspective views of the incision of views FIG. 2-A and FIG. 2-B, showing successive steps after the removal process just mentioned. Thus,

33 formed by the intersection of sidewall 26 and incision bottom 28; and, similarly, edge 35 will be virtually indistinguishable from line 29 previously indentified.

Revised character face 32 may now be treated to increase the reflectance contrast between it and the incision bottom 28. Thus, let it be first assumed that incision bottom 28 has been previously treated to provide thereon a coating or layer of high reflectance, such as by chromium plating as previously mentioned. Under these conditions, the surface of revised character face 32 is treated to provide'thereon' a coating or layer of low reflectance, such as by the application of a reagent of the type previously mentioned, in the case of a brass matrix. On the other hand, in the event that the incision bot tom 28 was originally provided with a dull black coating having a low reflectance, then the surfaceof revised character face 32 surrounding the incision is treated, as by chromium plating, to give it a coating or layer of high reflectance.

The packing or filling substance 30, when used, is now removed, and in FIG. 243 there is shown a representation of the incision of the finished photocomposing matrix in accordance with the present invention. For purposes of the illustration, it is assumed that the surface of the incision bottom 28 has been treated to provide thereon a coating or layer of low reflectance, and, consequently, the surface of revised character face 32 surrounding the incision has been treated, as by chromium plating, to provide thereon a coating or layer of high reflectance. It will be understood that the remaining depth of the incision is small enough that, taking into account the draft of the incision sidewalls, the area defined by the sidewalls at the character face is virtually congruent with the incision bottom.

Modifications and changes from the specific illustrative embodiments of the invention hereinabove described may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention, and such modifications and changes are intended to be embraced within the scope of the appended claims.

We claim:

1. A process for modifying a matrix of a linesetting machine to adapt said matrix for use in photocomposing, said matrix originally including a body provided with a generally planar character face having a character incised therein, the incision being defined by sidewalls extending inwardly from the surface of the character face, the intersections of said side walls with the bottom of the incision outlining an area constituting the character intelligence, said process comprising the steps of:

removing matrix material from the character face to form a generally planar modified character face recessed from the plane of the original character face, but spaced from the incision bottom whereby the incision on the recessed face is virtually congruent with said outlined area; and

treating the matrix to increase the reflectance contrast between said outlined area and the surface of the recessed face surrounding the incision.

2. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said matrix is made of a machinable material, and said removing step includes machining the matrix.

3. The invention as defined in claim 2 including the step, prior to machining, of inserting into the incision a packing substance having hardness and strength characteristics comparable to those of the matrix material, and the step, following the machining step, of removing the packing substance.

4. The invention as defined in claim 3 wherein said matrix material is brass.

5. The invention as defined in claim I including the step of applying to the outlined area a coating having high reflectance.

6. The invention as defined in claim 5 wherein said treating step includes coating said surrounding surface with a material having low reflectance.

7. The invention as defined in claim 1 including the steps, prior to the removing step, of:

coating the outlined area with a material having high reflectance; and

inserting into the incision a packing substance having hardness and strength characteristics comparable to those of the matrix material; and, following the removing step, the

step of removing said packing substance. 8. The invention as defined in claim 7 wherein the treating step comprises applying to said surrounding surface a coating of low reflectance.

9. The invention as defined in claim 8 wherein said coating step comprises chromium plating.

10. The invention as defined in claim 9 wherein said matrix is made of metal and said applying step comprises the formation of a low reflectance compound of said metal.

11. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein the treating step comprises coating the outlined area with a material of low reflectance.

12. The invention as defined in claim 11 wherein the material of the matrix has high reflectance when machined, and said removing step comprises machining.

13. The invention as defined in claim 11 wherein the treating step also includes chromium plating of said surrounding surface. 

1. A process for modifying a matrix of a linesetting machine to adapt said matrix for use in photocomposing, said matrix originally including a body provided with a generally planar character face having a character incised therein, the incision being defined by sidewalls extending inwardly from the surface of the character face, the intersections of said side walls with the bottom of the incision outlining an area constituting the character intelligence, said process comprising the steps of: removing matrix material from the character face to form a generally planar modified character face recessed from the plane of the original character face, but spaced from the incision bottom whereby the incision on the recessed face is virtually congruent with said outlined area; and treating the matrix to increase the reflectance contrast between said outlined area and the surface of the recessed face surrounding the incision.
 2. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said matrix is made of a machinable material, and said removing step includes machining the matrix.
 3. The invention as defined in claim 2 including the step, prior to machining, of inserting into the incision a packing substance having hardness and strength characteristics comparable to those of the matrix material, and the step, following the machining step, of removing the packing substance.
 4. The invention as defined in claim 3 wherein said matrix material is brass.
 5. The invention as defined in claim 1 including the step of applying to the outlined area a coating having high reflectance.
 6. The invention as defined in claim 5 wherein said treating step includes coating said surrounding surface with a material having low reflectance.
 7. The invention as defined in claim 1 including the steps, prior to the removing step, of: coating the outlined area with a material having high reflectance; and inserting into the incision a packing substance having hardness and strength characteristics comparable to those of the matrix material; and, following the removing step, the step of removing said packing substance.
 8. The invention as defined in claim 7 wherein the treating step comprises applying to said surrounding surface a coating of low reflectance.
 9. The invention as defined in claim 8 wherein said coating step comprises chromium plating.
 10. The invention as defined in claim 9 wherein said matrix is made of metal and said applying step comprises the formation of a low reflectance compound of said metal.
 11. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein the treating step comprises coating the outlined area with a material of low reflectance.
 12. The invention as defined in claim 11 wherein the material of the matrix has high reflectance when machined, and said removing step comprises machining.
 13. The invention as defined in claim 11 wherein the treating step also includes chromium plating of said surrounding surface. 